Misnu said the highlights of the event will be on Sept 11 (Tuesday), where some 1,000 people are expected to gather at Sibu Islamic Complex to mark the celebration besides giving out of awards to ‘Tokoh’ Maal Hijrah.

“Then, the following day (Sept 11) – there will be the ‘Majlis Perhimpunan Maal Hijrah’ at Sibu Islamic Complex, expected to start at 10am. The complex has the capacity to house about 1,000 people,” Misnu told a press conference today.

The event is jointly organised MIS, Department of Islamic Affairs Sarawak, Sibu Resident Office as well as state and federal government agencies.

“Every five years, we will choose ‘Tokoh’ (figure) Maal Hijrah. This time, we have 12 recipients and their names will be announced on Sept 11,” he said.

Misnu added there are side activities lined up for the celebration such as ‘ceramah’, ‘forum perdana’ and opening of counter for ‘zakat’.

He also urged the Muslim community here and surrounding areas to join the celebration.

Also present at the press conference were Sibu Resident Charles Siaw and his deputy Wong Hee Sieng.